Chickens & Livestock: Hesperia vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga have similar restriction levels.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Development Code Title 16, Chapter 16.20, Article XIII (Animal Regulations) — together with the Animal Quantities Matrix referenced in §16.20.690 — allows female chickens and small livestock in residential and agricultural zones on a per-square-foot basis. In R-1 and Low Density Residential (LDR) zones (7,200 sf to one acre) 2 chickens are permitted per 3,500 sf, not to exceed 25 per acre. Roosters, peafowl and other male fowl are limited to 1 per 14,000 sf, with lots over 18,000 sf allowed up to 10% of permitted birds as males. Animal-keeping areas must be maintained to control odor under Title 6.
View full Hesperia rules →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga allows chickens and livestock only on larger lots under the Development Code. Standard lots cannot keep roosters, while Etiwanda equestrian parcels allow poultry.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Hesperia Dev. Code §16.20.660–§16.20.710 (Art. XIII Animal Regulations) | - |
| Chickens R-1/LDR (7,200 sf–1 acre) | 2 per 3,500 sf, max 25 per acre | - |
| Male fowl / roosters | 1 per 14,000 sf; lots >18,000 sf may have up to 10% males | - |
| Setback to dwellings | 70 ft (§16.20.050 open animal enclosures) | - |
| Large livestock | Require A1 or A2 agricultural designation (Ch. 16.16) | - |
| State cruelty law | Cal. Penal Code §597 | - |
| Standard Lots | - | Chickens generally restricted |
| Roosters | - | Prohibited citywide |
| Equestrian Overlay | - | Etiwanda/Alta Loma allow horses and poultry |
| Coop Setback | - | Commonly 70 feet from neighboring dwellings |
| HOA | - | Typically prohibit all livestock |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Hesperia?
Yes. In an R-1 or LDR zone (7,200 sf–1 acre) you may keep 2 hens per 3,500 sf of net lot area, up to 25 per acre, per Dev. Code §16.20.690 and the Animal Quantities Matrix referenced there.
Are roosters legal?
Only on larger lots. §16.20.690 limits peafowl and any male fowl to 1 per 14,000 sf; lots over 18,000 sf may keep up to 10% of allowed birds as males.
Do I need a permit for chickens on a 9,000 sf lot?
No separate animal permit is required for the 2 hens authorized by §16.20.690, but enclosures must meet the 70-ft setback in §16.20.050 and the maintenance standards of Title 6.
Where are horses, goats and cattle allowed?
Only on A1 Limited Agricultural or A2 General Agricultural designated parcels per Ch. 16.16; quantities follow the §16.20.690 matrix at up to 150 small animals per acre.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Victoria or Terra Vista?
Generally no. HOA rules in these master-planned communities prohibit livestock, and standard single-family zoning typically restricts chickens on smaller lots.
Where can I keep horses in Rancho Cucamonga?
In the Etiwanda North and Alta Loma equestrian-overlay areas on lots of 20,000 sq ft or larger, subject to the Development Code setback and sanitation requirements.
Compare other topics
See how Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool